Gas Quick Release

**Gunnar Alquist** · 09-21-2009, 04:17 PM

Found a quick release fitting on a gas pipe. This was at an exterior deck and was likely for a portable gas barbecue that has been removed. I know that this type of fitting is used to connect air hoses to air compressors. In my experience, they often leak; although, a compressed air system is under much greater pressure than a gas supply pipe will have. This one has a rubber cap, which leads me to think that it might be OK. But, I am not comfortable with this installation.

Anyway, anyone know if there is an approved quick-release fitting for gas? Has anyone had experience with a quick-release fitting?

Thanks

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**Rick Hurst** · 09-21-2009, 04:37 PM

Typically I see the connector as pictured below that is hard piped from an exterior wall.

rick

**Bob Harper** · 09-21-2009, 06:55 PM

Gunnar, they've been around for years in commercial applications and are just making it into the BBQ market. They are design certified for sale in the US by CSA and there is a UL listing I'm tracking down. They work by making the shutoff a safety interlock----you cannot remove the hose unless it is fully shutoff and you cannot remove the hose unless it is shutoff. Ideally, they should be protected from the elements. That's why new recessed housing boxes are available. The one you show should be shielded from weather and protected from physical damage but otherwise should be acceptable if the mating hose is present.

I've used them and tested many in the field and have not found any leaks requiring intervention. The hose is mated to the shutoff so there is no intermingling. When the house is sold, the hose should be disconnected from the grille and remain with this shutoff.

HTH,
Bob

**Jerry Peck** · 09-21-2009, 07:06 PM

Bob,

I don't see how the one Gunnar posted can be interconnected with the shut off.

The one Rick posted, yes, I can see that.

**Gunnar Alquist** · 09-21-2009, 08:40 PM

Rick,

Thanks for the post. Good to know that they are available.

Bob,

Sounds like may be acceptable, but not current. I believe I will recommend upgrading with a new valve like the one you described.

**Bob Harper** · 09-21-2009, 08:45 PM

JP, the first one shown could be an 'assembly' of a QDC fitting with an ordinary shutoff. If it is not interlocked, it should be replaced and it should be repositioned anyway.

We used QDCs all the time in the test lab and no leak problems. These lines were being metered as part of listing tests, too. Those QDCs did not have interlocks and did look similar to the one Gunnar posted.

Phillip Bates · 09-23-2009, 07:09 AM

Good morning: In the province of Ontario in Canada its also referred to as a quick-disconnect device (QDC as aleady pointed out).The rubber type fitting/plug is from the manufacturer & is meant to protect it from debris/insects/weather etc.Though it is preferrable that it sit in the horizontal position rather than the vertical as in your picture, its not a requirement here.Personally I've rarely found gas leaks at the qdc in your photo, though its been less than a handful in 30 yrs.In your photo that shut-off is no longer acceptable by us due to it being the older spring-loaded lubricated type that at that age tend to leak or seize & cant't be turned(us being Kitchener Utilities), & we would require a ball valve-type shut off replacement.A shut-off is a code requirement as a QDC shall not be substituted for a manual shut-off valve.Generally what you see in your photo is what is left behind when somebody moves out & takes their BBQ & BBQ hose with them.That said though its not unknown to encounter the QDC also removed & just the shut off left.A scary thought when you consider any neighborhood child could enter the back yard of a vacant property, turn the valve on and....well, you can guess the rest.Actually its more common to find that scenario inside a home when a gas dryer or stove has been removed but the gas tubing/pipe left behind with an open end & just a 1/4 turn closed shut off.Have a pleasant day.

**Rick Hurst** · 09-24-2009, 11:22 PM

Gunnar,

I came across this gas valve today and thought I'd post it up.

It is of course intended for hook up to a Natural Gas grill.

This one had white teflon tape on it though so it was a write up.

rick

Phillip Bates · 09-25-2009, 05:21 AM

Good morning: In regards to the photo supplied by Rick Hurst I would comment that the termination in your photo should - as in must up here - have a support bracket.Up here as well white teflon is for plumbing only.Teflon approved in assemblies handling nat gas, propane,butane,gasoline & petroleum oils must be approved & is either yellow or pink in color(not exceeding 1.50" NPS nor 1,000psi).Have a pleasant day.

**Brian Robertson** · 09-25-2009, 09:06 AM

Welcome aboard Mr. Bates!! You've found an incredibly awesome board here and I am particularly glad to see you here as I'm in Tillsonburg ONT and am reminded by the guys here that the answers they give me may not be relevant up here. I need all the help I can get so I look forward to maybe bouncing a few queries off yourself, if they're area specific. Anywho, welcome again and enjoy the board, these guys are awesome.

**BARRY ADAIR** · 09-25-2009, 09:29 AM

I see Oatey PTFE tape commonly used around here so I contacted them and asked if there was any reason why their white product couldn’t be used in lieu of their yellow product…here’s the reply in blue

remery@oatey.com

For low pressure residential applications the Oatey white and yellow thread sealant would be fine on lines that carry natural gas and LP.

Rob Emery, Product Application Specialist

The main differences I can see from their submittal info is sealant/tape thickness and density, with the yellow product being greater in both categories.

Pipe Joint and PTFE Tape :: Oatey.com

The pink is an air and water rated product, like the white there is no mention of it's use with fuel products based on the provided submittal info

hth

**Jim Ellison** · 09-25-2009, 10:26 AM

As far as the quick connect, I was told by my local gas company that it was approved for this application. So, I installed one with a properly rated valve upstream. I worked in the oil industry for over 30 years and was taught to use the white teflon on all of our connections which contained pressures in excess of 10,000 PSI. Not sure of the local gas company requirements though...

**John Kogel** · 09-28-2009, 09:07 PM

I see these type of quick release BBQ connections in newer installations. In the 2nd pic, the gas fitter has jammed the male connector in there for the new owner. I'm shaking like a leaf, maybe I noticed the valve was left open?